My dad has been riding as long as I can remember — in fact, I spent a lot of time as a baby on the back of his bike!

In honor of the Tour de France, I thought I would interview my dad! He has ridden in the Paris-Brest-Paris race, the amateur version of the Tour de France, three times! "PBP" is 750 miles (yes, you read that right) and you must finish within 90 hours!

I hope you enjoy the interview!

Question: Tell my readers what PBP is and how long it is.

Dad says: Paris-Brest-Paris is the world’s oldest cycling event, started in 1891 – 118 years ago. It did not last long as a professional race – at a non-stop 1200 kilometers (approximately 750 miles) it was too difficult! The demands of PBP ruined their racing for weeks, and these men were racing for a living. Eventually PBP became a randonneur (hard riding tourist) event with a 90 hour time limit, and foreshadowed the Tour de France. The Randonneurs USA website has much more information.

Question: How many years have you done PBP and what were your finishing times?

Dad says: I’ve done PBP three times, but only finished once, in about 85 hours. In 1991 I DNF’ed at 1000 kilometers just totally exhausted. It was my first year of long distance riding, and I was un-prepared for the constant small hills. In 2003 I finished, and in 2007 I had a serious crash.

Question: You’re kind of infamous in the family for scary bike crashes. Big races like PBP are condusive to crashes. Have you crashed during PBP?

Dad says: Actually, an event like PBP is safe, especially from the standpoint of riding in groups. The skill level is very high. My 2007 crash revolved to a large extent around teenagers mis-directing me in the rain, and correcting themselves at the last…well, long story. A few miles down the road, dazed and confused, tried to turn fast in the rain and boom – on the ground. And I’ve only had three serious crashes – in almost thirty years.

Question: When you’re biking for more than 90 hours, where do you sleep? Eat?

Dad says: I try to sleep from around 3:00 AM to 8:00. What’s happening on the road dictates I actually GET to sleep though, since the clock is always running – I’ve slept in doorways, police stations, potting sheds, under bushes, and in really nice hotels. I had great success with liquid fuel, although many years I just ate whatever I found.

Question: How do you fuel for a race like PBP?

Dad says: Early and often – in a multi-day event, you can’t afford to get behind on nutrition or hydration.

Question: Can anyone do PBP?

Dad says: I think any one with basic good health could, with two years training – or an endurance athlete or cyclist could possibly do it in one. The prime requirement is that you love being on your bike – because you will be there a lot! There are requirements, so check out rusa.org – new rules require some participation next year for PBP 2011 !

Question: What was your proudest moment in PBP?

Dad says: In 1991, the centenary year, I was taken by the American organizers to the head of the peloton for the ceremonial prologue out of Paris, behind BMW motos, police blocking traffic, people in cafes and balconies whistling and clapping – I was in the front ten of 5,000 , and I couldn’t believe any of it.

THIS IS AWESOME! Your dad ROCKS!!! I'm cycling obsessed ~ I can't imagie having that kind of blood in me!

:))))

-Courtney

SarahJuly 14, 2009, 9:14 am

That's incredible that your dad did that! I am most impressed by the eating/sleeping. Sleeping for just 5 hours in a doorway?!? That is so crazy!! WOW!

AmandaJuly 14, 2009, 9:14 am

WOW!! What a positive, healthy role model! For as long as I can remember, my dad has been running. He used to do races when I was younger, but now just does 3-4 miles probably 4 times a week. He doesn't listen to music and just really enjoys his time out there … so inspirational!

AnonymousJuly 14, 2009, 9:19 am

How did you bake your tofu? the salad looks great, would love some more details on it.

Oh wow!! That's amazing! Kudos to your dad – he sounds like such an inspiration!

Mrs. LCJuly 14, 2009, 9:24 am

That is so cool! I think you should take a family trip to Paris and you and your dad do the PBP together one year!

ChristinaJuly 14, 2009, 9:24 am

Your Dad is awesome! That race sounds like so much fun, I loved hearing the random place he's slept during it!

Danielle C.July 14, 2009, 9:26 am

Very cool interview, your dad seems like a great healthy role model. 🙂

EricaJuly 14, 2009, 9:27 am

WOW- your dad is such an inspiration! Just goes to show how parents with healthy habbits can pass them along to their children. I bet he is super proud of you. Yummy lunch- loving all these giant carrots

PeterJuly 14, 2009, 9:28 am

I think Mrs. LC is right! Start focusing on something important!

xoxo

Dad

runnerskitchenJuly 14, 2009, 9:30 am

Great interview! What an inspiring Dad 🙂 I like the tofu salad recipe. Just this morning i was craving a "salad", but tuna, chicken, and egg just didn't seem appealing. Tofu sounds the perfect solution!

Erin RobinsonJuly 14, 2009, 9:31 am

Great interview! My dad rode bikes when I was a kid too and he finished the PBP in 1988. I always knew it was a big deal, but never got the details. Thanks for highlighting the race 🙂

MicaJuly 14, 2009, 9:32 am

That's cool that your dad has raced in France! Maybe you can do the Paris-Brest race too.

Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)July 14, 2009, 9:41 am

That is IMPRESSIVE! I never bike because for some reason, it REALLY hurts my knees!

leslieJuly 14, 2009, 9:43 am

750 miles!? your dad is incredible! now i see where you get your racing spirit. 🙂 what an inspiration to grow up with!

AnnaJuly 14, 2009, 9:45 am

Wow! that is incredible. I can't believe I have never heard of that race! I guess cycling really is in your genes.

BetsyJuly 14, 2009, 9:57 am

What a great interview, the memories and accomplishments from all those races is very inspiring. I'm getting all amped about biking now since I got my new wheels yesterday. 🙂

BrittJuly 14, 2009, 9:58 am

Great interview! You have one amazing dad! I need to learn to love my road bike more, fortuantely we are headed out on vacation this week and there is a rail trail perfect for cycling!

brandiJuly 14, 2009, 10:12 am

what an awesome interview! Your dad is so cool – and how crazy that he's done that race more than once!

TylerJuly 14, 2009, 10:12 am

how inspiring!!! i love the picture of you on the back of his bike 🙂

also, your "chicken salad" looks really delicious!

havefaith4everJuly 14, 2009, 11:10 am

That's so inspiring and awesome! 750 miles? That's incredible!<3 jess

happygoluckyalexJuly 14, 2009, 11:17 am

wowza. that is incredible. inspiration for sure. question for part two of the interview… why does your dad ride that style of bike (where he is more horizontal)?

wow that impressive! I did 194km in 2 days last week and I was exhausted so I can't even imagine!

Kelly (Beneath It All)July 14, 2009, 12:17 pm

So I love your idea for tofu "chicken" salad! I love to make meat meals into vegetarian friendly meals. 🙂

Holly BJuly 14, 2009, 12:28 pm

great interview :o) You've got an impressive pops!

I have a quick question regarding your food/calorie intake. It looks like your meals, especially lunches have been getting smaller and smaller. Any particular reason? I know you are quite stressed these days. I hope this isn't too intrusive!

Caitlin at Healthy Tipping PointJuly 14, 2009, 12:30 pm

holly – i do think my lunches have been getting smaller, but my mid-afternoon snacks (when the stress of work really hits) have been getting BIGGER AND BIGGER lol. i'm just subconsciously balancing it out, i think.

PeterJuly 14, 2009, 1:02 pm

Hi Alex,

I'm Caitlin's dad – I ride recumbents primarily because they're easier on the body – less pressure on the hand and butt, and easier on the upper body in general. Plus, due to better aerodynamics, over about 10 mph the power requirement is much lower. Especially for the long distances I ride, both important!

lookingforserenityJuly 14, 2009, 1:34 pm

I've always wanted to try tofu.. but i've always been afraid too!! Whats the best way to have it? do you have any delish combo's or recipes?

That is just so cool!! And how awesome that you grew up with such an amazing role model. I'm the only active one in my family – it would have been so nice to grow up in with such a fit parent. It sort of really sets a great base. Of course, no gaurantee you'll end up fit, but it helps!

And I am in awe of anybody who can bike that far in that amount of time. Incredible. I never knew about this race – it was interesting to hear about it.

JessicaJuly 14, 2009, 3:43 pm

That is so awesome to hear about it. I've never heard of that race but it definitely sounds like an amazing experience.

I might have to look into training for that one day. It sounds up my alley.

randomlymikeyJuly 14, 2009, 3:54 pm

very cool post!

Andee (Runtolive)July 14, 2009, 5:10 pm

I love your take on the classic chicken salad with tofu! That is really cool of your dad to love biking so much, I wish I could get my dad to do more physical activities with me!

SusanJuly 14, 2009, 5:45 pm

Your dad is mega awesome!!! I've never even heard of that event before! Also kinda explains where you get your love of races from 😉

I’m not a Registered Dietitian (RD). For specific medical counseling, please contact a Registered Dietitian or your doctor. My blog posts are based on my own personal knowledge, experience, and opinions. This website's privacy policy is available here.